Common Questions Archives - Page 2 of 3

How do I calibrate an HMI touchscreen?

To calibrate Maple Systems HMIs with four DIP switches on the back: Turn DIP switch 1 to the ON position and cycle power on the HMI. This will cause it to boot into calibration mode.…

Can I log into the HMI from my PC to access data files, event files, and recipe files?

Maple Systems Standard HMIs, Advanced HMIs and High-Performance cMT HMIs come with a built-in FTP server that allows you to remotely access data logs, event files, and recipe data via FTP (file transfer protocol). Please…

Are your products RoHS compliant?

RoHS, Restriction of Hazardous Substances, is a directive that originated in the European Union that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in electronic products. A product must be RoHS compliant to qualify for the…

What is the relationship between Maple Systems and Weintek Labs?

Maple Systems has been the #1 authority for Weintek products in the North American market for nearly three decades. We have evolved together over the years to provide powerful controllers designed to implement and maintain…

What is a protocol?

In control systems, protocol is the language the components use to communicate. Example protocols include Profinet and Modbus.

How do I synchronize the Real-Time Clock (RTC) on a Maple Systems HMI?

There are times when it is advantageous for the RTC (Real-Time Clock) in the HMI to be synchronized with an external device such as a connected PLC. Also, it may be required to sync the…

What TCP Port do I use with CUPS Printing?

CUPS Printing uses TCP Port 9100.

Can I pair an Advanced HMI with a Gateway Products?

Yes, adding a Gateway with Serial or Ethernet bridge can upgrade your existing controller and touch panel without the need for modifying the PLC and HMI projects, adding all the functionality of our High-Performance Series…

Define Cloud Service Provider (CSP)

A cloud service provider is a company that offers some component of cloud computing — typically infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) or platform as a service (PaaS) — to other…

Define HDMI®?

HDMI® (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a proprietary audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI® compliant source device, such as a display controller, to a compatible…

What is Downloading?

Downloading is taking a project from the computer and putting it into the HMI.

How do I know if I should setup my PLC or HMI as remote or local?

In the HMI configuration software, Local and Remote refer to the answer to this question: “Am I going through another HMI besides this one to get PLC variables?” If Yes, then the PLC is to…

Can I design screens for the cMT Gateway products?

No, cMT Gateway products do not have any screens stored in them the way cMT Server products do. You can configure the cMT Gateway to pull data from a controller and then send it upstream…

Define Information Technology

The network architecture, hardware and software, that allows communication and analysis of vast stores of data across globally distributed assets.

What is an RMI?

Remote HMI = RMI. Maple Systems RMI model is “remote” in the fact that the monitoring/control element is physically separated from the display. The RMI model is an HMI with no display that converts any…

What Is A Local Area Network (LAN)?

A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building. Within an industrial environment, an Industrial Network Switch…

What is the relationship between Maple Systems and Weintek USA?

Weintek USA was started in 2017 and is operated by different management and owners. Maple Systems started as an owner-operator in 1983 and became an employee-owned company in 2014. For over 35 years we have…

What is Quality of Service (QoS)?

Quality of Service is the description or measurement of the overall performance of a service, such as a computer network or a cloud computing service, particularly the performance seen by the users of the network.…

What is EasyPrinter?

EasyPrinter is a utility that runs on a PC that can be configured to receive data log files, event log files, recipe files, or screenshots from a Maple Systems Standard HMIs over Ethernet using the…

How do I setup the IP Address of my HMI on a subnet?

Whether you are connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a PLC to communicate over Ethernet, or connecting your PC to an HMI to upload or download a project over Ethernet, you must know the IP…

Can I pair a Maple Systems HMI with a cMT-SVRX model?

Yes, pairing an HMI with a cMT-SVRX unit will add additional functionality that the Standard HMI doesn’t have on its own. Our HMIs have a built-in touchscreen to provide feedback and allow input from on-site…

Define Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is an enterprise software solution designed to centralize and optimize maintenance operations through comprehensive asset management, preventive maintenance scheduling, work order administration, and inventory control functionalities. The system enables…

What is a Human Machine Interface (HMI)?

A Human Machine Interface (HMI) is a device for communication between a human operator and a machine. In modern control systems this is typically some type of touchscreen graphical interface.

Are my projects automatically backed up in EBPro?

In EBPro, click on the File menu and select Preferences. On the Project tab, check the “Generate backup of project file before save” option. This will create a backup of your project any time you…

I’m setting up my Wi-Fi model and the DHCP Server is not available, what will be the default IP address on my HMI?

If a DHCP server is not available, they will default to an IP address of 169.254.0.1. See Tech Note 5123 “Connecting to Wi-Fi Units When a DHCP Server is Not Available”.

What is cMT?

cMT HMIs can be broken into several different categories – DIN rail mounted cMT Servers with no built-in touchscreen that can be hidden away in control cabinets, and panel-mounted touchscreen cMT HMIs that offer the standard stationary HMI interface that operators are used to. We also have cMT Web HMIs for plug and play ease, and cMT Display only units when an extra screen is

Define Manufacturing Execution Systems ( MES )?

Type of management software used to track and document the transformation of raw materials into finished goods in real time.

I received an OpenGL error. Why?

EBPro uses a newer version of OpenGL than earlier versions of software. OpenGL is an API used for rendering 3D graphics, and if it is not up to date or is running incorrectly, can cause…

Define Media Access Control Address (MAC)?

A media access control address (MAC address) of a device is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for communications at the data link layer of a network segment. MAC addresses are…

What is System Control Automation?

Automation is the use of electronics and computers to control systems and machinery with limited or no human intervention.

Define Remote Framebuffer ( RFB )

Remote Framebuffer is an open simple protocol for remote access to graphical user interfaces. Because it works at the framebuffer level it is applicable to all windowing systems and applications, including Microsoft® Windows, macOS and…

Can I customize the Startup Screen on my Maple Systems HMI?

Yes, you can replace the default startup screen on an HMI with one of your own choosing. The graphic file must be in a bitmap format (*.bmp). For best results, size the graphic so that…

I received a “The HMI system is being prohibited from accessing local devices. Please check if the HMI port no. (8000) is occupied” error.

The Offline or Online Simulator relies on an external process to run correctly, com_e30.exe. If this process is running before the Simulator begins, it can interfere with how the Simulator works, causing the Port 8000…

What is a cMT Gateway?

Maple Systems cMT Gateway products are designed to bridge existing control systems, including legacy systems, to a SCADA management network. The cMT Gateway models support a variety of communication protocols that can connect with over…

What is an Automation Controller?

A component in an automation system that contains a program to process data inputs and outputs.

What is a Status Display Station?

Maple Systems HDMI capable products can turn any HDMI®-compatible TV or industrial monitor into a Status Display Station via HDMI® cable – efficiently delivering crisp, high-definition graphics. The HDMI® interface is also easily converted to…

What are the benefits of adding Wi-Fi to my Factory?

Some benefits of implementing a Wi-Fi network in your factory include: Costs by Creating a Wireless Network: Wi-Fi can solve applications where wiring is impractical or too expensive. There’s no need to run expensive Ethernet…

How do I setup and connect my HMI to a Wi-Fi network?

Select Maple Systems HMI wifi models feature a wireless network connection (Wi-Fi) that allows users to connect to a local wireless access point or the Internet without using an Ethernet cable. Tech Note 5121, “Wi-Fi…

Can I use a headless HMI without a display?

Yes, our headless (without an integrated display) units are fully functional HMIs. Utilizing EBPro software, you can configure the headless device to communicate with your PLC/controller the same way you would program any Maple Systems…

Define Material Requirements Planning ( MRP )?

Type of management software used in production planning, scheduling, and inventory control systems to manage manufacturing processes.

The graphics on my HMI are not rendering correctly, I am seeing a window with all black interior.

EBPro uses a newer version of OpenGL than earlier versions of software. OpenGL is an API used for rendering 3D graphics, and if it is not up to date or is running incorrectly, can cause…

How do I configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with an Allen-Bradley Compact/Control Logix PLC?

Many PLCs have actual, physical memory locations that can be referenced. Not so with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs. They use symbolic Tags, which means the tag file needs to be imported into EBPro in…

What is AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of Amazon.com that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms to individuals, companies and governments, on a paid subscription basis. The technology allows subscribers to have at their disposal a…

What is Remote Machine Interface (RMI)?

A remote HMI. This means the HMI processor and touchscreen are physically located in separate locations.

My Fonts are not displaying correctly on the HMI.

When projects are compiled in EBPro, the font files are compiled as well. When using certain fonts or displaying languages written from right to left (Arabic, for example), some fonts may not be correctly displayed…

What is CANbus?

Originally developed for use as an in-vehicle network in passenger cars, nowadays Controller Area Network (CAN) is used in many other industries. This includes applications in any kind of transportation system (rail vehicle, aircraft, marine, etc.), in industrial machine control systems, in home and building automation (e.g. HVAC, elevators), in mobile machines (construction and agriculture equipment), in medical devices and laboratory automation, as well as in many other embedded and deeply embedded applications.

CAN communication protocols are based on a distributed scheme, there is no central unit, allowing a direct data transfer between any two or more CAN devices. In an automated industrial installation, CANbus is most commonly used as part of a control system connecting vital systems that may be spread throughout a facility.

A Maple Systems HMI with CANbus support, allows the operator to interact with the system. From there programmable logic controllers (PLCs) relay those commands through the CANbus interface to the sensors, actuators, motors or other mechanical systems that carry out the desired action.

What is cMT-Viewer Application?

cMT Viewer is a client application that enables users to view and control Maple Systems cMT devices, quickly and easily. cMT Viewer runs the HMI project on the client device. Only application data is exchanged…

Define Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Type of management software that tracks and organizes customer information

What are the various storage media options available on Maple Systems HMI and cMT series products?

Maple Systems HMI and cMT series products have the capability for additional data storage via storage media plugged into a USB Host port or SD card socket. Supported are USB Flash Drives, SD Cards, and…

I am an OEM, what software features do Maple Systems HMIs support that would benefit my business?

Maple Systems HMIs uses EBPro configuration software. EBPro has a variety of features designed with OEMs in mind – such as the ability to customize the startup screen, to remotely monitor and update the project…

What is the full meaning of Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is technology for radio wireless local area networking of devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, which restricts the use of the term Wi-Fi Certified to…

Why would I use a HMI without a display?

Add a headless HMI to your control system, using one of the Ethernet ports to connect it to the corporate LAN. The headless HMI will collect data from the plant floor, translate it to Modbus and send it to the office computer.

Define Message Oriented Middleware ( MOM )?

A software or hardware infrastructure that prioritizes sending and receiving messages between distributed systems. MQTT is a MOM protocol.

Can I change the brightness on my Maple Systems HMI?

Yes, you can change the brightness by adjusting the backlight on the HMI. There is a brightness control in the System Settings window on the HMI. In addition, you can use system register LW-9040 to…

Define Modbus TCP / IP

Modbus TCP/IP (also Modbus-TCP) is simply the Modbus RTU protocol with a TCP interface that runs on Ethernet. The Modbus messaging structure is the application protocol that defines the rules for organizing and interpreting the…

What is Network Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the maximum data flow rate for a network dictated by the slowest link in the entire communication chain.

What is a Sensor?

A device that translates a physical property into an electrical signal.

Why would I use VNC on my Advanced HMI?

Most of our HMIs come with a built-in VNC (Virtual Network Computing) server. VNC is a Remote Frame Buffer protocol used for remote operation and screen sharing. It enables you to instantly monitor and control…

What are the benefits of CAN? CANbus?

Integrating CANbus communication offers several advantages for industrial automation industries: Speed: CAN data transfer speeds far outperform traditional analog wiring since multiple messages can be sent simultaneously to all connected devices, sensors or actuators. Flexibility:…

How many client devices can a cMT unit control at one time over cMT-Viewer?

A single Maple Systems cMT unit can be controlled by up to ten client devices, running any of these platforms, at one time. Conversely, the same client device can be used to connect to any…

What is Data Mining (DM)?

The process of analyzing large collections of data to generate insights or define patterns that will improve the understanding of the system the data came from.

Can I use a USB Flash Drive for additional data storage on my HMI or cMT?

Yes, Maple Systems HMI Display support a USB Flash Drive with a maximum capacity of 32GB. USB drives must be formatted as FAT32.

What is a Server?

In computing, a server is a computer program or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called “clients”. This architecture is called the client–server model, and a single overall computation is distributed…

How can I use the internet connection on my Android phone to connect to my HMI?

Maple Systems HMI models with built-in Wi-Fi can connect to a phone’s broadcast Wi-Fi Hotspot feature by enabling the Hotspot feature on your phone and entering the Wi-Fi network information from your phone into the…

Why would I use a headless HMI unit instead of a touchscreen HMI?

Most HMIs have a built-in touchscreen to provide feedback and allow input from on-site personnel. If that is all that’s required, a standard HMI may be sufficient. On the other hand, if you have limited…

Define Neural Network or Artificial Neural Network ( aka ANN )

A type of computer program modeled after biological neural networks, such as the brain, that is capable of learning. The programs ability to adapt allows it to process very large data sets and recognize emerging…

How do I reset the HMI’s memory?

When using a Maple Systems HMI panel, the project, recipe (RW, RW_A, db), data log, and event log files are stored in permanent HMI (flash) memory. There are several ways to clear data in flash…

Define Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/ IP)

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet.

What is a Barcode?

A barcode (also bar code) is an optical, machine-readable, representation of data; the data usually describes something about the object that carries the barcode. Traditional barcodes systematically represent data by varying the widths and spacings…

What is Supply Chain Management?

Type of management software used to track and oversee supply chain interactions including supply, inventory, and transport.

Can I view live video on my Maple Systems HMI using a USB or IP Camera?

Yes, live video can be viewed directly on our cMT HMI products. Video input options are IP (Ethernet) cameras and USB cameras.

What TCP Port do I use with downloading a project to a cMT via Ethernet?

To download a project to a Maple Systems cMT via Ethernet you would use TCP Port 80.

What Platforms will cMT-Viewer run on?

cMT Viewer will run on the following client platforms: Windows Android Smartphones and Tablets Apple iPhone/iPad

What is a Data Platform?

A centralized computing system for collecting, integrating, and managing large sets of data.

Can I use a SD Card for additional data storage on my HMI or cMT?

Yes, Maple Systems HMI and cMT products support a maximum SD card capacity of 4GB (32GB capacity with SDHC card). SD and SDHC Cards must be formatted as FAT32. SDXC cards are not supported.

How do I reset my HMI to Factory Default?

It may become necessary to reset a Maple Systems HMI to factory default. Tech Note 5115, “Reset Graphic HMI to Default Settings” is split into two sections. Section One describes the procedure for units with…

Can my HMI be used as a Modbus Gateway?

Maple Systems cMT and HMI products can bridge the gap between your SCADA system and field devices. Using the HMI’s Modbus RTU/TCP Slave protocol, the Modbus Gateway provides a mechanism to connect the Modbus RTU/TCP…

I added a new recipient to my email list, but it isn’t there after I download the project.

After adding a new recipient to your project in EBPro, make sure the “Use existing contact settings on HMI first (if existed)” option is NOT selected in the System Parameters e-Mail tab. If it is…

Define Open DeviceNet Vendors Association ( ODVA )

ODVA, Inc. (formerly Open DeviceNet Vendors Association, Inc.) was founded in 1995 and is a global trade and standard development organization whose members are suppliers of devices for industrial automation application. To qualify for membership…

I received a “registration is required” message. Why am I being asked to register my software?

In the past, Maple Systems required customers to pay for a license and complete a registration process during installation in order to use our software. We now offer all our software for free and no…

How do I configure my Maple Systems Dual Ethernet HMI on two Local Area Networks (LAN) simultaneously?

The Ethernet ports on the Dual Ethernet model are configured via the system settings menu on the HMI hardware. This is the same process used to configure the Ethernet ports on other HMI models, except…

What is Big Data?

Big data is a term used to refer to data sets that are too large or complex for traditional data-processing application software to adequately deal with. Big data challenges include capturing data, data storage, data…

What is telemetry communication?

An automated communications process by which measurements and other data are collected at remote or inaccessible points and transmitted to receiving equipment for monitoring.

Can I view a live video web stream from my Maple Systems HMI?

Yes, select models allow users to view a live video web stream on a remote computer from a USB video camera attached to the HMI. This is useful for monitoring a process or area of…

What is Wide Area Network (WAN)?

Wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network or computer network that extends over a large geographical distance/place. Wide area networks are often established with leased telecommunication circuits, connecting multiple smaller networks like local area networks (LANs) and metro area networks (MANs). Unlike a LAN, which is confined to a single building or location, a WAN links computers, devices, and users in different locations, enabling them to communicate and share data seamlessly.

FAQ Category: Common Questions